I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
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Golden Hawaiian rolls brushed with garlic butter, layered with saucy shredded chicken and melty cheese, then baked until perfectly pull-apart ready. These buffalo chicken sliders are built for effortless entertaining. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make them ahead, serve them warm to a crowd, and host with confidence.
When I’m hosting – whether it’s game day, a casual Friday night, or a backyard gathering – I want food that feels generous but doesn’t chain me to the kitchen.
These baked buffalo chicken sliders deliver bold flavor, a little heat, and that nostalgic comfort everyone loves, all while being incredibly simple to assemble.
They’re the kind of recipe that looks impressive on a platter but requires very little effort behind the scenes.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS POST
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Overview
Equipment You’ll Need
Step-By-Step Instructions
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Hosting Tips
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Recipe Card
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Designed for easy game day hosting
Made with Hawaiian rolls for soft, slightly sweet contrast
Baked all at once – no individual assembly
Perfect make-ahead party sandwich
Crowd-approved heat level (adjustable)
The balance of sweet rolls, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and buttery tops is what makes these stand out.
INGREDIENTS OVERVIEW
Full measurements in recipe card below.
Shredded Chicken : boiled and shredded or rotisserie chicken both work beautifully here
Buffalo Sauce : use my homemade version or a clean ingredient store-bought option
Foil or a lid (I prefer to avoid aluminum foil as much as possible)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the Oven : Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Prepare the Chicken Filling : In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Toss until evenly coated. The chicken should be moist but not overly saturated.
Slice the Rolls : Using a serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in your greased / lined baking dish.
Layer the Sliders : Spread buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom layer. Top with mozzarella / Monterey Jack and blue cheese if using. Place the top layer of rolls over the filling.
Make the Garlic Butter : Mix melted butter with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
Bake : Cover loosely with foil (or a lid if your bakeware has one). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil / lid and bake an additional 8 – 10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set slightly.
MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE TIPS
Prep Ahead : Assemble sliders fully (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Storing Leftovers : Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300℉ oven until warmed through to maintain texture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these less spicy?
Yes. Use less buffalo sauce and increase mozzarella to soften the heat.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken sliders?
Yes. Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Monterey Jack or Colby Jack melt beautifully.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! I actually did this by using Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free Hawaiian Sweet Rolls.
HOSTING TIPS
For gatherings, slice these sliders slightly smaller than you think you need. Smaller portions encourage guests to try more dishes and make your spread feel abundant. You could easily half them and stick a toothpick in each!
Serve with crisp celery, carrot sticks, and a chilled ranch or blue cheese dip to balance heat.
These baked buffalo chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls are an easy make-ahead party sandwich recipe perfect for game day or casual entertaining. Sweet rolls, spicy shredded chicken, and melty cheese baked with garlic butter tops.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Toss until evenly coated. The chicken should be moist but not overly saturated.
Using a serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in your greased / lined baking dish.
Spread buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom layer. Top with mozzarella / Monterey Jack and blue cheese if using. Place the top layer of rolls over the filling.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover loosely with foil (or a lid if your bakeware has one). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil / lid and bake an additional 8 – 10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 slider
Calories:285
Sugar:6g
Fat:15g
Saturated Fat:7g
Carbohydrates:20g
Fiber:< 1g
Protein:17g
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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